The Best Automatic Gate Openers

Chances are if you’re reading an article talking about automated gate openers, then you’re in the market for one. Perhaps you already have a gate, but can’t stand the thought of getting out of your cozy, comfy car in the middle of winter just to finagle with a feisty fence gate. The very idea of it gives you the chills (pun intended).

Or maybe you’re just ready for an upgrade. Perhaps the gate you have currently isn’t getting the job done or doesn’t work the way it used to. You’re in luck. We live in a time where automation is becoming a more significant part of our lives on a regular basis, and gate openers are no exception.

Listed below are some of the best automatic gates available in the industry. Throughout this article, we will review these gates and provide a quick list of the pros and cons of each. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Aleko AC1400 Electric

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First on the list is the Aleko1400 Electric Sliding Gate Opener. Founded in 2005, Aleko is relatively new to the automatic gate industry compared to some of the other players on this list. Based in Seattle, Washington, Aleko is known for backing all of their products with a lifetime manufacturer warranty.

The AC1400 offers plenty of benefits and features, but perhaps the most significant feature is the gate’s ability to handle and maneuvers large and oversized gates. This opener can quickly and effortlessly manage gates which weigh up to 1400 pounds and are up to fifty feet long. If you’re in the commercial industry looking for a heavy-duty automated gate opener, keep this one in mind.

Pros

• Gate can stop and reverse when encountering obstructions
• Supports up to 100 remotes
• Easy to install
• Corrosion resistant aluminum chassis
• Lightweight

Cons

• Does not operate well with chain-link gate
• Magnet switches do not connect properly

US Automatic Sentry 300

Available as either a single or dual lead automated gate opener, the US Automatic Sentry 300 has the option of being powered by a solar kit or an AC adapter. This automated gate opener can be applied to gates up to twenty feet long and can open or close a gate in as little as sixteen seconds.

US Automatic has a high reputation in the automatic gate industry for creating products of high quality and reliability. Established in 1994, US Automatic was one of the first automatic gate manufacturers to consider solar power for their gates. If you decide to go the solar panel route, installation is plug-and-play and usually takes less than an hour to complete.

Pros

• Solar power capability
• Fast movement when opening and closing
• Reverse and stop safety
• Completely sealed circuit board to protect against weather and nature

Cons

• Can be noisy
• Needs battery, but battery is not included

Mighty Mule EZGO-SOLAR

If you’re in the market for an automated gate opener that isn’t a burden on your electric bill, the Mule EZGO-SOLAR gate opener might be for you. This sturdy automated gate opener can move gates which weigh up to 550 pounds.

The Mule EZGO-SOLAR is powered by a twelve-volt marine or automotive battery, which gathers solar energy through the fifteen-watt solar panel included with the gate opener. Along with the solar panel comes two remotes for opening the gate automatically.

In business since 1987, Mighty Mule manufactures many different types of automated gate openers. Their Do-It-Yourself automated gate openers are well-known for being easy to install without the aid of a professional engineer. While the EZGO-SOLAR isn’t the fastest gate, it does the job and is environmentally friendly.

Pros

• Can handle gates up to sixteen feet long and 550 pounds.
• Easy to install
• Comes with a five-watt solar panel
• Environmentally friendly

Cons

• Gate opens and closes slower than others
• Inclement weather can ruin gate opener
• Does not include batteries needed to store solar power

Aleko AS1200 Dual Swing

The Aleko AS1200 Dual Swing automatic gate opener fills a need that not many automated gate openers don’t: the ability to accommodate doors and gates considered oversized. Aleko offers an excellent solution with its AC1200, providing a high-quality automated gate opener that can handle gates up to ten feet long per leaf, and up to six-hundred sixty pounds, again, per leaf.

The AS1200 Dual Swing automatic gate opener does precisely what it set out to do by offering an electronic mechanism that will handle doors or gates often labeled as “misfits.” Customers that find themselves searching for an automated gate opener that will control multiple size doors and gates discover that the AS1200 works precisely how they need without issue.

Aleko automatic gate openers usually have some pretty cool features, and the AS1200 is no exception. Perhaps the coolest is the ability for the AS1200 to handle AC or DC power. It’s nice to know that this option is available and that you won’t have to mess with a lot of hassle or a headache no matter which direction you choose.

Pros

• Internal battery backup provides power during outages
• Solar panels provide environmentally friendly option
• Smooth operation
• Easy to install and use

Cons

• Cables not long enough
• Plastic gears don’t seem durable

E8 400MM Stainless Automatic

For those that have installed and used aluminum automated gate openers in the past, and feel the need to have a reliable and robust stainless steel option, the E8 400MM automated gate opener might be the right choice for you.

This dual gate opener can handle gates which weigh up to one thousand pounds and extend out twenty-two feet. This screw driven automatic gate includes IR beams with the opener, along with an AC/DC system for back-up in the event of a power outage.

The E8 400MM provides users a solar power option, which makes it environmentally friendly as well as energy efficient. Included with the E8 400MM automated gate opener are a wired keypad, brackets that hold the door, and any other hardware needed for an easy Do-It-Yourself installation.

Pros

• Little noise
• Remote connects from a long distance
• Sturdy, robust arms
• Easy to install

Cons

• Arms do not have limit sensors
• Gate movement does not provide a warning

Mighty Mule FM502

The Mighty Mule FM502 is a user-friendly automated gate opener that users will find simple to install so long as they have the necessary and appropriate knowledge and tools. This unit can support gates up to eighteen feet long, and weigh up to eight hundred and fifty pounds.

One of the great features of the Mighty Mule FM502 is that it supports many different gates and sizes. These include ornamental gates, wood gates, and a variety of other options.

The Mighty Mule FM502 features soft starts and stops, which helps reduce the amount of wear and tear the automated gate opener experiences throughout its life. Soft starts and stops create less friction and strain on the parts, which decreases damage caused to the gate opener.

Pros

• Easy installation
• Works with both single and dual gates
• Adjust the speed of gate opening and closing
• Fits a variety of gate sizes

Cons

• Unable to add remotes
• Gate is noisy

Ghost Controls TSS1XP

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If your main priorities are convenience and security, the Ghost Controls TSS1XP is going to take care of everything. The TSS1XP is a great automated gate opener, able to handle swing gates of up to twenty feet. This Ghost Controls gate opener is solar power compatible and comes with a small 10w solar panel.

Installation is simple and easy and does not require the need to contact a professional. The gate closes and opens quickly, and comes with a remote transmitter, a system control box, a battery harness, and an AC transformer.

Pros

• Works well with a variety of different gate types
• All necessary hardware included
• Easy and simple installation
• Includes 10w solar panel for environmentally friendly power option

Cons

• Only comes with one remote

Summary

These automated gate openers provide an additional layer of security for your home or business and can be controlled with a remote from the safety and warmth of your vehicle. Most of these automated gate openers offer a few power options, whether that be through AC power or using a small solar panel. Choosing an automated gate opener that offers multiple power options is great to have in the event of a power outage.

As you can see, there is a wide variety of automated gate openers in the industry today, so whether you’re shopping for a gate opener for your home or business, you should have no trouble finding one that suits your needs. The beauty of the gates mentioned is that the vast majority can be installed quickly and don’t require the services of a professional.

These gates serve different purposes and offer various features, so be sure to do your research and make an informed decision before buying. No matter which automated gate opener you go with, if you’re choosing from the list above, you’re bound to come away satisfied.

Further read, GoGoGate 2 vs MyQ Smart Garage Opener